Dog strollers: luxury product or pet necessity?

Some people might find pet strollers a little strange or unconventional. After all, dogs are supposed to walk and exercise. But the benefits they offer are undeniable, as not all dogs are capable of long walks and enjoying the outdoors on their own 4 feet.

Rapidly growing market

Since 2016, the European market for pet strollers has more than doubled according to market research. No wonder the online search volume for ‘dog stroller’, ‘dog pram’, ‘pet stroller’ and ‘dog buggy‘ is now 3 times higher on average than it was 7 years ago – an indication that pet owners are becoming more aware of the benefits of dog strollers, and this is creating more demand.

Mobility issues in dogs

Some studies have found that 1 in 5 dogs suffer from joint issues in their lifetime. Several breeds of dogs are even more prone to developing osteoarthritis and other mobility issues. Labradors, for example, often suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which leads to difficulty walking. For issues like these, a dog stroller can be a comfortable and practical solution, both for dog owners and their furry friends.

A survey conducted among more than 500 InnoPet customers confirms this. The results showed that 58% of the respondents had purchased a dog stroller because of their dog’s mobility issues. These issues vary from arthritis or paralysis to pain due to age or recovery from surgery. 25% of the respondents use their stroller for recreational purposes only.

Solving other walking problems

Not just old dogs and those with mobility problems benefit from a stroller though. Flat-nose breeds easily get out of breath and can have a hard time going on long walks. Small dogs, too, may have trouble covering long distances. Smaller breeds are also often in danger of being stepped on when they are in busy places like markets or shopping centers.

Bringing back happiness

As dog strollers become increasingly popular with dog owners, it’s no wonder that retailers are following the trend. The dog stroller’s image as a luxury product has long gone. Its purpose is clear: to bring happiness to dog owners and their furry best friends. So it is safe to say it is a pet necessity.